Thank you for stopping by! If you’re looking for a hands-on, screen-free activity that keeps kids curious, giggling, and glowing—this Glow in the Dark Playdough is a must-try! It’s soft, squishy, super simple to make, and best of all… it glows under black light. Talk about wow factor!
We love this project for rainy days, sensory play bins, birthday parties, or just because. It’s safe, easy, and endlessly customizable. Bonus? You probably already have most of the ingredients at home.
💌 Want more fun, family-friendly DIYs like this delivered to your inbox? Be sure to subscribe below and get inspired each week!
Why You’ll Love This Glowing Playdough
- Quick and easy—ready in minutes
- No cooking required
- Super soft and moldable
- Glows under UV or black light
- Customizable colors and textures
- Made with safe, simple ingredients
What Does It Feel Like?
Think classic playdough—but lighter, fluffier, and a little magical! It’s soft enough for little hands to squish and shape, but firm enough to hold its form. And when the lights go out and the black light turns on? It glows like neon!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup of flour
- ¼ cup of salt
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons washable fluorescent paint
- Optional: Food coloring or dry Kool-Aid packets for extra color pop
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or hands for mixing
- Airtight container or ziplock bags for storage
- Black light for glowing fun!
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
- Glitter for sparkle
- Small beads for texture
- Essential oils for a fun scent
- Divide the dough and add different colors for variety
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour and ¼ cup of salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Stir until smooth. You can start with a spoon, but don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!
Step 3: Add the Glow
Mix in 2 teaspoons of washable fluorescent paint. This is the secret to that awesome glow. Blend until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Customize Your Colors
Want bolder hues? Add a few drops of food coloring or a small Kool-Aid packet. Mix thoroughly to distribute the color.
Step 5: Store for Play
Once the dough is smooth, stretchy, and colored just how you like it, pop it into an airtight container or ziplock bag to keep it soft and fresh.
Pro Tips from the Craft Table
- Store in the fridge to make it last longer (just bring to room temp before play).
- For multiple colors, divide the dough before adding food coloring.
- Don’t forget the black light—it’s what makes the magic happen!
- Add glitter after mixing for sparkly, glowy goodness!
What to Pair This With
- Black light flashlight or lamp
- A glow-themed party or playdate
- Glow sticks and glowing paint projects
- A dark room and a lot of imagination!
Storage Instructions
- Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag
- Keeps for up to a week at room temperature
- Add a few drops of water and knead if it starts to dry out
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does it glow in complete darkness?
Not by itself—it needs a black light or UV light to glow.
Is fluorescent paint safe for kids?
Use washable, non-toxic fluorescent paint that’s designed for children’s crafts.
Can I use glow-in-the-dark paint instead?
Yes, but results vary. Fluorescent paint glows brighter under UV light.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Just store it airtight and knead it before play.
Final Thought: Glowing Fun at Your Fingertips
This Easy Glow in the Dark Playdough is one of those projects that combines creativity, sensory play, and just a little bit of magic. Whether you’re crafting with kids or just love a fun DIY, this is the kind of glow-up we all need!
More Glowing Goodness You’ll Love:
- Glow in the Dark Swirl Bounce Balls
- DIY Glowing Slime
- UV Reactive Water Beads
Show Us Your Glowing Creations!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your colorful results!
📸 Tag your glow-time photos on Pinterest, or drop a comment below with your favorite add-ins and color combos!
Nutritional Info
This one’s not for eating, but it’s definitely a treat for the senses!
🌟 For edible sensory ideas, check out our Jell-O Dig & Play activity!
Want a printable recipe card or full Glow Activity Pack? Just let me know—I’d be happy to send it your way!
